Sharpening drill bits

[Cofe]

Re: Sharpening drill bits

Another vote for Drill Doctor. My only gripe is that I can't set up my smaller hex shaft mounted drills - the hex shaft gets in the way.

That is the only problem I have with the DD. But to get around it, I have purchaced a quick change / hex shaft drill chuck so I can use regular bits. Kinda messed up my quick change ability but it works...I am waiting for DD to make a chuck that will accommodate the hex shaft and all will be well...

 

[mscher]

Re: Sharpening drill bits

No way, can one use hand sharpening, to get the sharpening (balanced) accuracy, of a fixed sharpening tool like DD, which gets near perfect balanced edges - in about 60 seconds.

I'd bet lunch on it.

Besides, it's not just about sharpness, when it come to drill bits, especially when drilling metal.

If one cutting edge, is even slightly off in depth from the other, an accurately placed starting hole (even with using a starter punch), will be harder to achieve, plus the bit will likely "walk", when drilling, drilling a slightly over sized hole.

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Sharpening drill bits

The last time I saw some one use a DD it took him about 20 minuets to get bit a sharp. By the time he pulled it out of his tool box and got the bit sharp. Unless you are a machinist 99% of the holes you drill don't need to be precise plus unless you are using a high quality drill press you hole will be sloppy anyway.

+1 on a proper dressed stone to do a good job.